[One-year outcomes after proximal humeral fractures : A risk-adjusted regression analysis of routine data based on...

Proximal humeral fractures (PHF) are the third most common fracture in geriatric traumatology. No standard evidence-based treatment has been established so far. The epidemiology and economic burden highlight the importance of a targeted treatment strategy.

Epidemiology of PHF and analysis of the influence of preoperative length of stay, comorbidities and quality of patient life. Additionally, a comparison to the more frequently studied proximal femoral fractures.

A routine data analysis of 17,322 cases admitted for inpatient treatment with an observational period of 1 year was performed following an established model. Descriptive statistics included comorbidities, treatment procedures and mortality. Analytical statistics using logistic regression with the primary endpoints of early revision, mortality and decubitus within 1 year.

In the investigated PHFs there was a mortality of 13% within 1 year, which is increased three-fold in patients with comorbidities such as cancer. There was an increase of 57% in patients who first received a care level following PHF. A preoperative care level in general significantly decreased survival. The most frequently used surgical procedure was fixation via stable-angle plate (used in 43%). The preoperative length of stay did not impact survival.

Intrinsic factors such as preoperative comorbidities are crucial for the mortality after PHF. The PHF affects patients' lives less than proximal femoral fractures. With comparable comorbidity profiles, possible reasons are the lower levels of immobilization and less dependency on care before the fracture in comparison to proximal femoral fractures.